Astros at Red Sox

The Boston Red Sox have a chance at compiling the best April record in their long and storied history, which would be a remarkable achievement on the heels of their worst season in 48 years. If the Red Sox win their final three games of the month - beginning with Saturday's home contest against the Houston Astros, they will accomplish the feat. Boston has taken the first two games of the series, including a 7-3 decision Friday for its fourth win in its last five games.

The Red Sox are getting contributions from everywhere, including their backup catcher. David Ross hit two home runs Friday and had four of Boston's 17 hits. Ryan Dempster won his first game in a Red Sox uniform to complement an already strong starting rotation as Clay Buchholz, Jon Lester and Felix Doubront are a combined 11-0. Saturday's starters - Doubront and Houston's Brad Peacock - have never faced the opposition. The Astros have lost seven straight road games.

Red Sox are batting .355 during a three-game winning streak, Boston (16-7) - which has taken 11 of 14 - is also 12-0 when scoring first, posted 18 wins in April 1998 and 2003.

Felix Doubront (2-0, 4.32 ERA), is on the verge of winning a career best-tying third consecutive start. Doubront will be making his first appearance against the Astros, who counter with Brad Peacock (1-2, 7.50). The right-hander is coming off an outing to forget, surrendering career highs of seven runs, nine hits and three homers over 4 1-3 innings of Monday's 7-1 loss to Seattle.

Boston outfielder Shane Victorino is expected to miss a third straight game due to lower back troubles. 

BOSTON is 5-0 (+5.0 Units) against HOUSTON over the last 3 seasons

3 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+2.0 Units)

BOSTON is 2-0 (+2.0 Units) against HOUSTON this season

1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.0 Units)

Houston, which has never won at Fenway Park (0-5), struck out 14 times Friday and leads the majors with 232 through 23 games.

Red Sox are 4-1 in their last 5 games as a home favorite.

Red Sox are 4-1 in their last 5 games as a favorite.

Red Sox are 8-2 in their last 10 games following a win.

Red Sox are 4-1 in their last 5 overall.

Red Sox are 4-1 in their last 5 home games.

Red Sox are 6-0 in Doubronts last 6 starts when their opponent allows 5 runs or more in their previous game.

Red Sox are 8-1 in Doubronts last 9 starts during game 3 of a series.

Red Sox are 5-1 in Doubronts last 6 starts.

Over is 3-1-1 in the last 5 meetings.

Astros are 0-5 in the last 5 meetings in Boston.

Astros are 0-5 in the last 5 meetings.

The Astros by all means should be a better team with all the "rebuilding" they've been doing in recent years. Unfortunately they're still bad, really bad. Going against the Red Sox wont be any easier in game 3. They still get beat by 5 or more runs. Taking the 1st half and the RL in this match-up. Good Luck

1H RED SOX -½-155

RED SOX -1½-125